1620 Bank Street ● Lake Charles, LA 70601 ● (337) 436 -7275

● www.slchs.org

November 8, 2023

“So, give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people…” 1Kings 3:9.

The above scripture is one that has guided my work for the twelve years as a school administrator,
especially these past few challenging ones. Through the challenges and successes, it has been the
tremendous teamwork, community spirit, and God’s presence that has given me the strength and
stamina to continue.

After prayer and discernment, this will be my last year serving as the school’s principal, and it is
time for me to pass the baton to the next leader. Taking a lesson from our State Champion Girls
Track team, I ran the leg of the journey I was meant to run to the best of my ability. This “leg” of the
race has seen both growth and challenges:

• Covid lockdowns and navigating reopening procedures

• Hurricanes, floods, and tropical storms of 2020-2021
• Mourning the deaths of beloved faculty and students
• Adding Dual Enrollment opportunities on campus
• Employing a full-time School Resource Officer
• Implementing and funding the House System
• Seeing improved AP scores and a high rating with District Accreditation through Cognia
• Realigning curriculum through the St. Louis Standard and adding the Ethics & Culture Dept.
• Completing the New Campus Master Plan and purchasing the property for the new school
• Securing fundraising efforts with a campaign cabinet, and leadership structure set
• Developing a robust Advancement Department with Alumni Relations and Athletic
Foundations established
You may ask, “Why now and what does this mean for me?” I am confident that with the remarkable
group effort over the past five years, internal improvements made, and deeper leadership capacity
built, the school’s future is bright and stable. Recently, with the new campus designed and the
current campus functioning well, the next leader with “fresh legs” can hit the ground running. The
governing boards, administration, faculty, and staff will keep the school moving forward. It is not
hard to see SLCHS has the best of the best and this will not change!

Only wanting continued success for the Saints Community, I will continue to assist and volunteer in
any capacity necessary. However, with only four years of service needed to be eligible for
retirement with the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana, I plan to seek employment within
the State system next year. I ask for your continued support and prayers for the school and me.

Working with the Office of Catholic Schools, the Board of Pastors, and the Advisory Council to
ensure a smooth transition, progress will continue. There is no place like St. Louis Catholic High
School - the unique community, history, and mission are like no other, and I am blessed to be part of
it, always. There is plenty of work to be done, so let’s keep moving forward together for our St.
Louis.

Go Saints Forever –
Mia Touchet

Honor and Praise God…in All Ways!